Clothes hanging activity - hang out. Take down, it's raining. Sun's out - rehang. Raining again - take down. Sun's out - rehang. Rain - take down and hang on laundry porch. Sun's out - rehang only towels. Downpour - towels are soaked - bring them in, rerinse and start hanging underwear over dining chairs with fan blowing. This takes time because there are only six chairs. As I move underwear onto chairs space is made for towels on porch. Next day hang towels out in sunshine when we return from Kingston. Sun (not actually sun - just not rain) lasts about an hour. Take towels down and hang back on porch. Humidity is about 99% so it may be some time before we have towels. Lesson learned - don't wash all the towels at the same time.
Two frights on Tuesday. Went into town (Mandeville) and Jack went into a store to get a parking ticket. Just as I was getting into the car there was a clap of thunder that was literally heart stopping. It was absolutely terrifying - completely out of the blue - no lightening, no "rumblings" beforehand - just one deafening crash.
Nexxt heart stopper - I'm sitting at my desk in the evening when I see something dark fly past. I assume moth and then look down to see a tiny lizard sitting on my lap. That little devil is now somewhere in this house which makes me shake out my shoes before I put them on.
On the way into Kingston today the elders started pointing out cashew trees to me. I don't think I actually identified one - we were going too fast - but I now know where to look.
I used to dread the drive thru Porus (a very poor town on the way to K.) but I realized there is a lot going on there and I now look forward to watching for the plastic-bags-for-shoes-man and the kids going to school at all hours of the day. The elders said today that there are eight rivers that meet underground at Porus.
Today, for the first time, I really enjoyed the scenery coming down into Porus.
Two days ago on our walk two different people said hi to us before we greeted them. So cool.
Just praying that I don't gain 20 pounds trying to satisfy those cravings for things we can't get here (or can't afford if we can get them). I might consider commiting a crime to obtain a package of Costco snow peas or some really good crusty bread or a burger from Stella.
The hardest thing to go without is sociality - boy do we miss you all. Strangely enough we aren't homesick - just a little tired of our somewhat dull routine. Please be mindful and take care of each other. We love you.
Sister Andersen or Frannie to you all.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Kingston, Jamaica on Thrusday.May 27, 2010
Greetings to all. Many of you have called to express your concern about us. We were scheduled to meet with Brother Brown in Kingston today but he called and suggested he come to Mandeville to meet with us due to the circumstances in Kingston. Well last night late I got a call from Elder Chessman in the mission office who asked if we could go to Santa Cruz and pick up Elder Allen who needed to see a Doctor due to some urgent health issues. So naturally we could not refuse so I got up at 5:30 am and drove 35 min the opposite way to get the Elder Allen and his companion Elder Johnson. Both are native Jamaicans serving in their own country. I was a bit concerned about entering Kingston but everything went well. We also needed to go to PriceSmart to return a fan and get another one so Brother Brown called to determine if it was safe or not as there had been an incident in that area this morning. We got a call back from one of members of the church who said it was ok so we got our shopping done and met the sister who works there. Since there was not a confirmed Doctors appointment when we arrived at 9:30 am in Kingston we were a bit worried about getting out of the city before 5 pm. As things worked out Elder Allen was on his way back to the office just as we returned from shopping. As inspiration would happen we did buy a large hawaiian pizza at PriceSmart. (a store like Costco but smaller in scale) Fran thought the AP's would surely get some lunch for the Elders but I knew that would not happen and it didn't. We left Kingston at about 2:30 pm and stopped at Michhi, another store like Target, on our way out of town. On the road again we had pizza and drinks on the way home to Mandeville. While we were approximately 20 minutes away from the war zone in Kingston there were no incidents and life is pretty much going on as usual around the other parts of Kingston. We are about 1 hr and 15 min out of the city and we are safe. The press is acurate in reporting the trouble and we are not taking it lightly but want all of you to know we are OK. Thanks for your interest and prayers. Jack.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday - Church at the Junction Branch by Jack
Young Women of the Junction Branch with Sister Andersen.
This morning we needed to be in Junction at 9 am. It is a 45 min drive and with Church at 10 am we packed a lunch and headed out. (what a different lifestyle to pack a lunch as you head out into the country to church) The members that are active are very dedicated and faithful under less that ideal circumstance. There are 3 adult males active and they comprise the Branch Presidency. President Collins is the branch president and is very sincerely concerned about the branch members. He has been Branch President less than one year and his first counselor Brother Ruben Powell has been a member since March, 2010 and has a strong and sincere testimony of the gospel. (He is a first cousin to Colin Powell of USA fame and resembles him greatly.) Second counselor is Brother Gayle. The Jamaican saints are warm and friendly. Their circumstance for church attendance is challenging at best. Bro. Powell owns the only working auto in the branch and it is a fairly large van. He picks up several of the branch members including President Collins and his family. The meetings are held in an office building with 3 large rooms in a line. The envionment is not very conducive for church as the windows look out on the steet and people are coming and going outside right in front of the chapel and the penecostal church right next door (about 10 feet between them) has a bend and music flows right into Gospel Doctrine Class. Fran attended Primary and I went to Gospel Doctrine & P H Meeting. About 8:30 am the Branch President called me out of the meeting Fran & I were having with potential semianry student and told me he had a problem and didn't know if I could help him or not. I asked him what it was and he said Sister Wilson needed a ride and she lived about 2 miles away. So we headed out to pick her up and talked and talked and I said are we close yet and he said we are almost there. Well we picked up Sister Wilson a delightful sister that joined the church in the 80"s, smartly dressed and brought her to church. As it turned out it was about 6 miles out and we got back right at 10. Then when the counselor announced the Sacrament Meeting program I realized what the problem was. Sister Wilson was the main speaker. It would have been a problem if she had not been there. I will add a couple pictures from the Branch and sign off.
Jack reporting
Another week in Jamaica. On Monday we finally got completely unpacked and went into Kingston to get the cleaning and grocery supplies we needed to set up our apartment. We were about half way through shopping (it takes at least 2 different stores) after getting haircuts at the mall, when we go a call from the Assistant's to the Mission President that advised us that in Kingston they had asked all the missionaries to go home and stay there as there was an governmental incident in Kingston that had caused all of the government offices and several other business to close early. The incident surrounds the signing of an extradition order for a drug lord to be sent to the US for his crimes. He has massive support in West Kingston and there was concern for the safety of US citizens. We advised that we were in Kingston and since it is 1 1/2 hrs drive from Mandeville we went to our last store (PriceSmart) and completed our shopping. We do not like to travel after dark but in this case we left Kingston at 8 pm and by then the traffic had dissapated and we came home without incident. We did listen on the radio to the Prime Ministers speech regarding the status of the incident. The government has asked the attorneys for Christopher Coke to bring him to a police station and turn himself in. However, that has not happened and it is now Sunday evening May 23rd at 8:50 pm as I am writing this. The Prime Minister addressed the nation at 8 pm and has declared a "State of Emergency" for one month. What that means is that citizens have no rights against the security forces. You can be stopped, detained, searched at will by the security forces. It will be an interesting week politically. We have scheduled a meeting with Brother Brown our direct report in Kingston on Thursday and the main road traveled to the Mission office is through West Kingston. Fortunately the primary trouble spot is South of the main road a few miles. Enough of that but I just wanted to share how fortunate we are at home for individual rights.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
ONE AMAZING, UNFORGETTABLE DAY
15 May 2010 Port Antonio, Portland Parrish
This was billed as a Sr. couples getaway and bonding but could have been called the most amazing day of the year. We started at a launch site 8 miles up the Rio Grande river for a float trip down to the Carribean Ocean on rafts made by lashing banboo poles together with a seat for two (that would be E& S Andersen). They are about 25-30 feet long and the seat is about 2/3 of the way back and the captain stands way up front to pole us down the river. The captain makes and owns his own rafts and works as an apprentice for yeaars, has to pass a test to get his license, and then gets a captainship only when another captain dies. The rafts were originally used to transport banannas down river but Errol Flynn thought they would make great pleasure vessels.
The river was clear and cool and the sun was blazing. We dangled our feet in the water and took dozens of pictures.The scenery was high, jungle vegetation covered hills with big boulders along the banks where women were doing their laundry and the children were playing in and out of the water.
About 2/3 of the way down river we pulled onto a bank where a woman had her cook pots set up and had fixed lunch. The trouble was that 6 or 8 sailors had arrived before us and had bought all she had but two plates of food - a little rice with red beans, a couple of small pieces of chicken and some dumplings. She was charming and we took her name in case any of you come to visit we can phone her to make sure she has enough. Her name is Belinda and every morning she walks from her home, over the mountain, wades across the river all with her supplies on her head and sets up her "cafe". She stores her pots and utensils under a tarp in the jungle.
After the float we had watermelon and then off to a once in a lifetime experience. Bro and Sis Bradley, the couple from Ocho Rios, had arranged for us to meet with a man from their branch who is a trusted and beloved friend of the Maroon people. (I'll explain later) Chris was a Danish army officer, attached to the American Embassy in Copenhagen where he met an American/Jamican woman. They fell in love , married, and had a baby but she longed to go back to Jamaica to the warmth and light.
Chris eventually became involved in community affairs and politics. That is where her became acquainted and involved with the Maroon people. The Maroons were Spanish slaves, left behing when the Brits conquered the Spanairds. and they (the Maroons) escaped into the hills. For years they harassed the Brits who wanted them for their own slaves and killed many, many British soldiers. (Look up Jamaican Maroons on the internet for the full story. It is fascinating.) The Brits finally called for a truce and the Maroons ended up with all the land in the hills where they had lived and fought for years, tax free. They had their own governance, their own schools, their own militia. They live pretty much apart but do sent representatives to government councils.
Chris had arranged for us to go into their main village, Mooretown, and meet their commander-in-chief. He and others were delighted to see Chris and their leader was so gracious. He stood in the street and told us the history of his people and then answered questions. The ride up in a 12 passenger van was absolutely hair-raising. Nothing much more than a goat trail, really. Up and down steep, deeply rutted, water filled roads . But the whole experience was one that so few people would ever get to have and Chris was so very delightful. Some years back Errol Flynn's widow had retained him for some business affairs and he said the only trouble was that he, himself, looked so much like Errol Flynn that it was confusing for many people. (See the last picture.)
Just a quick explanation of the following picutres. 1. All of the sr. couples on the island ready for our float trip. As soon as we were on our rafts we shed the life jackets. 2. River view. 3. Going through Lover's Lane. 4. Belinda, our lunch provider. 5. This is out of sequence - this is actually a view of the river from the van on the way to Mooretown. 6. The Mooretown cemetary. 7. The village. 8. A picture of Nanny Maroon painted on the side of the library. (See internet) 9. Jack beside a picture painted on the side of the school. 9. Fran with the colonel (never was told his name) and Chris.
This was billed as a Sr. couples getaway and bonding but could have been called the most amazing day of the year. We started at a launch site 8 miles up the Rio Grande river for a float trip down to the Carribean Ocean on rafts made by lashing banboo poles together with a seat for two (that would be E& S Andersen). They are about 25-30 feet long and the seat is about 2/3 of the way back and the captain stands way up front to pole us down the river. The captain makes and owns his own rafts and works as an apprentice for yeaars, has to pass a test to get his license, and then gets a captainship only when another captain dies. The rafts were originally used to transport banannas down river but Errol Flynn thought they would make great pleasure vessels.
The river was clear and cool and the sun was blazing. We dangled our feet in the water and took dozens of pictures.The scenery was high, jungle vegetation covered hills with big boulders along the banks where women were doing their laundry and the children were playing in and out of the water.
About 2/3 of the way down river we pulled onto a bank where a woman had her cook pots set up and had fixed lunch. The trouble was that 6 or 8 sailors had arrived before us and had bought all she had but two plates of food - a little rice with red beans, a couple of small pieces of chicken and some dumplings. She was charming and we took her name in case any of you come to visit we can phone her to make sure she has enough. Her name is Belinda and every morning she walks from her home, over the mountain, wades across the river all with her supplies on her head and sets up her "cafe". She stores her pots and utensils under a tarp in the jungle.
After the float we had watermelon and then off to a once in a lifetime experience. Bro and Sis Bradley, the couple from Ocho Rios, had arranged for us to meet with a man from their branch who is a trusted and beloved friend of the Maroon people. (I'll explain later) Chris was a Danish army officer, attached to the American Embassy in Copenhagen where he met an American/Jamican woman. They fell in love , married, and had a baby but she longed to go back to Jamaica to the warmth and light.
Chris eventually became involved in community affairs and politics. That is where her became acquainted and involved with the Maroon people. The Maroons were Spanish slaves, left behing when the Brits conquered the Spanairds. and they (the Maroons) escaped into the hills. For years they harassed the Brits who wanted them for their own slaves and killed many, many British soldiers. (Look up Jamaican Maroons on the internet for the full story. It is fascinating.) The Brits finally called for a truce and the Maroons ended up with all the land in the hills where they had lived and fought for years, tax free. They had their own governance, their own schools, their own militia. They live pretty much apart but do sent representatives to government councils.
Chris had arranged for us to go into their main village, Mooretown, and meet their commander-in-chief. He and others were delighted to see Chris and their leader was so gracious. He stood in the street and told us the history of his people and then answered questions. The ride up in a 12 passenger van was absolutely hair-raising. Nothing much more than a goat trail, really. Up and down steep, deeply rutted, water filled roads . But the whole experience was one that so few people would ever get to have and Chris was so very delightful. Some years back Errol Flynn's widow had retained him for some business affairs and he said the only trouble was that he, himself, looked so much like Errol Flynn that it was confusing for many people. (See the last picture.)
Just a quick explanation of the following picutres. 1. All of the sr. couples on the island ready for our float trip. As soon as we were on our rafts we shed the life jackets. 2. River view. 3. Going through Lover's Lane. 4. Belinda, our lunch provider. 5. This is out of sequence - this is actually a view of the river from the van on the way to Mooretown. 6. The Mooretown cemetary. 7. The village. 8. A picture of Nanny Maroon painted on the side of the library. (See internet) 9. Jack beside a picture painted on the side of the school. 9. Fran with the colonel (never was told his name) and Chris.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday, May 16th.
Week 2 - Jack speaking. I think I had better clarify my comment of 4 months going on 9 days. President Bekker said he was asked if we were a "Green Beret" couple or not and he answered them in the affirmative. Rest asured the Lord through his servants has called us to such a mission. I was feeling a great deal of shock in the extreme change of our lifestyle. I will not elaborate but rest assured that you just do not head out in an eveing for fast food or dinner. It's possible but not convenient. One night this week we dined on an apple and a small bag of potato chips and a bottle of water. Enough of that. As far as being a missionary the week was quite wonderful until today (Sunday) I thought my GPS was programed for the branch building but Fran and I wound up at the Bank. Oh well I did have the branch presidents phone but tried Zen Navigation for one hour before giving up and calling him. I now know the way to the church. I had been to that building twice before but today was my first time driving on my own.
Now the fun part. On Wednesday evening we traveled about 20 miles to the Junction Branch for a Branch Bonfire. This was a party for all branch members and the pictures posted are at the bonfire. We had about 55 in attendance which included several neighborhood children who were not members of the church and for the most part only saw a party and joined in. President Collins (branch president) met us at a Shell service station to show us the way. He greeted us with some Jamaican apples as a gift and wanted us to meet one of the single mom members that is struggling with her 14 yr old daughter and he is very concerned about his youth. We want to get her enrolled in seminary and since she was at school we made an appoint to meet with her next Sunday. Then we drove to the bonfire sight. When we arrived the children just surrounded us not only physically but with love. In fact they wrote on our car in its dirty condition "We love you". They are really full of life. President Collins called the meeting to order and after an opening song and prayer each of the Branch Presidency bore their testimonies. One of his counselors Bro. Powell bore a very sweet and strong testimony of the gospel and I did not find out until later that he was baptized 5 months ago. A very impresive well educated brother. In the whole branch there was only one car as most people do not own cars. They rely extensively on taxi's that are always darting about the island and will pack in as many on each trip as they can. The lack of transportation is a major problem with church activity. Fran & I were also asked to bear our testimonies and Elder Shafermeyer. Hot dogs and punch were served then we broke out the marshmallows, graham crackers and hersey bars for Smores. Fran & I had packaged 89 zip lock bags with the crackers and candy in them and all the members had sticks to roast the marshmallows on. It was a ZOO with the children coming back and coming back and coming back for more. I tried to make sure everyone got at least one and hopefully that did happen. Oh I forgot, after the testimonies we played show and tell for scripture stories. We were by an unfinished house and Sister Shafermeyer went up on the top of the wall and shouted repentance playing the role of Samuel the Lamanite and that was my favorite one. At home I think we make things very complicated to have an activity but the simplicity of this activity had a very strong spirit of God's love for all of us His children and I know all of those in attendance felt that love and His spirit. It was a wonderful evening and experience. There are alot of challenges but we are dealing with them. Love to all. Jack. a.k.a. Elder Andersen.
Now the fun part. On Wednesday evening we traveled about 20 miles to the Junction Branch for a Branch Bonfire. This was a party for all branch members and the pictures posted are at the bonfire. We had about 55 in attendance which included several neighborhood children who were not members of the church and for the most part only saw a party and joined in. President Collins (branch president) met us at a Shell service station to show us the way. He greeted us with some Jamaican apples as a gift and wanted us to meet one of the single mom members that is struggling with her 14 yr old daughter and he is very concerned about his youth. We want to get her enrolled in seminary and since she was at school we made an appoint to meet with her next Sunday. Then we drove to the bonfire sight. When we arrived the children just surrounded us not only physically but with love. In fact they wrote on our car in its dirty condition "We love you". They are really full of life. President Collins called the meeting to order and after an opening song and prayer each of the Branch Presidency bore their testimonies. One of his counselors Bro. Powell bore a very sweet and strong testimony of the gospel and I did not find out until later that he was baptized 5 months ago. A very impresive well educated brother. In the whole branch there was only one car as most people do not own cars. They rely extensively on taxi's that are always darting about the island and will pack in as many on each trip as they can. The lack of transportation is a major problem with church activity. Fran & I were also asked to bear our testimonies and Elder Shafermeyer. Hot dogs and punch were served then we broke out the marshmallows, graham crackers and hersey bars for Smores. Fran & I had packaged 89 zip lock bags with the crackers and candy in them and all the members had sticks to roast the marshmallows on. It was a ZOO with the children coming back and coming back and coming back for more. I tried to make sure everyone got at least one and hopefully that did happen. Oh I forgot, after the testimonies we played show and tell for scripture stories. We were by an unfinished house and Sister Shafermeyer went up on the top of the wall and shouted repentance playing the role of Samuel the Lamanite and that was my favorite one. At home I think we make things very complicated to have an activity but the simplicity of this activity had a very strong spirit of God's love for all of us His children and I know all of those in attendance felt that love and His spirit. It was a wonderful evening and experience. There are alot of challenges but we are dealing with them. Love to all. Jack. a.k.a. Elder Andersen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Fran here with a commentary on the palace. But first a note on the Soul Flex cafe. Was recommended by a girl in the Shell station. Notice the sign says sandwiches, fries, pizza? Not so much - at least not yet. The dining room was lovely but the menu was fried chicken, curry chicken, brown fish soup, curry goat, some kind of stew and some kind of pea soup. We told the waitress we'd be back for an evening meal but we just wanted a sandwich for lunch. Burger King.
Now for the house tour. 1. The back entrance which is really the only entrance because the front entrance is barracaded with the grill work and locked. 2. This was taken from across the street. That house is IMMACULATE and Grant must get discouraged when he takes a look around the neighborhood. Actually there are mostly nice and well kept houses in this neighborhood. But it is a little deceptive of our palace. When, if ever , this is finished it will probably be lovely. There are hundreds of huge homes all over Jamaica just like this one. Waiting to be finished. At least they have these three apartments done. Ours is the only one occupied at the present. 3. The view across the valley. We will go exploring soon and answer the burning question - what is the huge house across the way? 4. Laundry/storage porch. 5. Looking through the grill work on the front porch. 6. Kitchen and I fixed my first meal there tonight. As you already know - taco salad - sort of. Dang good, too, even if the chips were $6.00 + u.s. At this rate we should be able to continue to eat regular meals well into July. 7. Master bedroom which is not ours yet. The Schaefermeyers are looking for an apartment in Kingston but it is very expensive and takes time to find something acceptable. 8. An eliminated picture of the master bath, but that's OK because it doesn't have an electrical outlet so we probably won't be using it much. 9. Third bedroom/office. 10. Our present bathroom. My biggest house fear was having to live with an old dark, mouldy bathroom , but as you can see (thru the clutter) it is new, nice tile and bright. 11. Our Closet - two stacks of Humanitarian school kits boxes with a broom handle rod. 12. Our Dresser. It gets a little jumbled but thank heaven for a good iron and ironing board. 13. My bed/organizing table. I just empty it to sleep in and repile the next morning. It works.
I also took pictures of the "grounds" but Jack was a little frustrated with having to post all the pics he did so a virtual yard tour will be coming.
We love and miss you all. Please love each other. Frannie
Now for the house tour. 1. The back entrance which is really the only entrance because the front entrance is barracaded with the grill work and locked. 2. This was taken from across the street. That house is IMMACULATE and Grant must get discouraged when he takes a look around the neighborhood. Actually there are mostly nice and well kept houses in this neighborhood. But it is a little deceptive of our palace. When, if ever , this is finished it will probably be lovely. There are hundreds of huge homes all over Jamaica just like this one. Waiting to be finished. At least they have these three apartments done. Ours is the only one occupied at the present. 3. The view across the valley. We will go exploring soon and answer the burning question - what is the huge house across the way? 4. Laundry/storage porch. 5. Looking through the grill work on the front porch. 6. Kitchen and I fixed my first meal there tonight. As you already know - taco salad - sort of. Dang good, too, even if the chips were $6.00 + u.s. At this rate we should be able to continue to eat regular meals well into July. 7. Master bedroom which is not ours yet. The Schaefermeyers are looking for an apartment in Kingston but it is very expensive and takes time to find something acceptable. 8. An eliminated picture of the master bath, but that's OK because it doesn't have an electrical outlet so we probably won't be using it much. 9. Third bedroom/office. 10. Our present bathroom. My biggest house fear was having to live with an old dark, mouldy bathroom , but as you can see (thru the clutter) it is new, nice tile and bright. 11. Our Closet - two stacks of Humanitarian school kits boxes with a broom handle rod. 12. Our Dresser. It gets a little jumbled but thank heaven for a good iron and ironing board. 13. My bed/organizing table. I just empty it to sleep in and repile the next morning. It works.
I also took pictures of the "grounds" but Jack was a little frustrated with having to post all the pics he did so a virtual yard tour will be coming.
We love and miss you all. Please love each other. Frannie
So its Tuesday already - Jack speaking
Wow - time flies we have now been here 4 months going on 9 days........ enough said. Sunday was a wonderful experience in the Mandeville Branch. We were welcomed with open arms (literally for Fran as several sisters insisted on a "hug" vs handshake.) We were asked to bear our testimonies and 2 sisters talked. One is Jackie our landlady. There was one confirmation of a young married couple and Priesthood was taught by one of the counselors to the Quorum President. The Branch President's wife plays the piano and bless her heart she has one chord for the left hand and extracts the melody with the right hand. The windows on the chapel are all open with fans going and the penecostal church down the road has its church bell ringing and singing that is shared with us.
On Saturday we received a call from our CES supervisor Kevin Brown. He had been in the DR all week and asked if we could come into Kingston on Monday to meet him and get our assignment. So some more experience driving by myself in the city. I am getting the hang of it and everyone is extremely polite in letting you in. We do have about 30 kilometers of toll highway and that is expecially nice considering the other narrow, winding, pot hole covered roads we travel. Without the GPS I would be limited to our apartment only. No street signs, directional arrows, one way arrows etc etc. (just a side note my internet provider signal went out and is now back on) a way of life.
Now our assignment. Contact all the Seminary/Institute age members (active or not) and encourage enrollment in S&I in September. We are to hold a fireside monthly to introduce the PEF program and try to get more young people interested in getting a college education. We need to contact and interview every student on the Island enrolled in PEF and resolve any payment issued. There are 2 individuals (one in each district) called to that activity but still we need to work with them and do the actual interview as they are both employed and have limited time. Fran want me to post a bunch of pictures so I will do that after this note from me. Last info for today is that we went into Mandeville (approx 10 min drive) and had lunch and did a little shopping for food and office supplies. We visited 3 grocery stores to get some hamburger for taco salad (maybe taco salad is not such a good idea in Jamaica as there is no taco seasoning and refried beans) but also no hamburger (called minced beef) today. Then we also looked for lettuce in all three stores but to no avial however, at the 3rd store a farmer was out front selling his lettuce. I bought all 7 heads which together would equal maybe if you stretched it one head of iceberg. Total time to accomplish that was almost 4 hours. No one gets excited and life is very laid back mon.
On Saturday we received a call from our CES supervisor Kevin Brown. He had been in the DR all week and asked if we could come into Kingston on Monday to meet him and get our assignment. So some more experience driving by myself in the city. I am getting the hang of it and everyone is extremely polite in letting you in. We do have about 30 kilometers of toll highway and that is expecially nice considering the other narrow, winding, pot hole covered roads we travel. Without the GPS I would be limited to our apartment only. No street signs, directional arrows, one way arrows etc etc. (just a side note my internet provider signal went out and is now back on) a way of life.
Now our assignment. Contact all the Seminary/Institute age members (active or not) and encourage enrollment in S&I in September. We are to hold a fireside monthly to introduce the PEF program and try to get more young people interested in getting a college education. We need to contact and interview every student on the Island enrolled in PEF and resolve any payment issued. There are 2 individuals (one in each district) called to that activity but still we need to work with them and do the actual interview as they are both employed and have limited time. Fran want me to post a bunch of pictures so I will do that after this note from me. Last info for today is that we went into Mandeville (approx 10 min drive) and had lunch and did a little shopping for food and office supplies. We visited 3 grocery stores to get some hamburger for taco salad (maybe taco salad is not such a good idea in Jamaica as there is no taco seasoning and refried beans) but also no hamburger (called minced beef) today. Then we also looked for lettuce in all three stores but to no avial however, at the 3rd store a farmer was out front selling his lettuce. I bought all 7 heads which together would equal maybe if you stretched it one head of iceberg. Total time to accomplish that was almost 4 hours. No one gets excited and life is very laid back mon.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Fran here. Just some impressions. I was before now so looking forward to the experience of driving all over the island. Now I'm terrorized. I would be hard pressed to explain. Being on the wrong side of the road is just the beginning - it's driving so close to the edge that you can hear the people that you pass breathing. And they are everywhere. No one seems the least bit cautious or concerned. I had visions of stitching after I had become completely familiar with the landscape. (Insert a big belly laugh here.) The roads are so rough that you are exhausted from the ride. Jack is a wild man with the speed and his daring passing moves and then back in again. He is reliving his simulated Pan American Road Races of his youth. Jerk meat has some heat but good flavor and is rather dry. Bought some at a roadside stand (one that has a good reputation). Amazing how one sets aside one's squeamishness when you know you are a servant of the Lord and are serving people who are living in the most humble circumstances. Met Bro. and Sis. Weir in their home and accepted pineapple and a drink of naseberry, pineapple peelings and papaya all blended together and strained. Interesting. Even Jack had a little. The people are so unbelieveably friendly. The poverty would never be detected by how people dress - they all take great care and look very clean. The almost daily rain is so welcome even the mugginess. I will never be able to wrap my head around the way everything is just left to crumble and decay. Maybe it's the heat, maybe the hopelessness, probably both.
I am shockingly unconcerned about the fact that we don't yet have the next 18 months nailed down in writing.
That's not me but I would guess that won't be the last thing that is going to surprize me about myself.
The Weir's adorable, magazine beautiful grandsons happy to impress me with their broken Transformer and the 8 year old's "backtism picture". Loved it. I'm too sticky to sit here any longer
I am shockingly unconcerned about the fact that we don't yet have the next 18 months nailed down in writing.
That's not me but I would guess that won't be the last thing that is going to surprize me about myself.
The Weir's adorable, magazine beautiful grandsons happy to impress me with their broken Transformer and the 8 year old's "backtism picture". Loved it. I'm too sticky to sit here any longer
What a difference a week makes
Well last week at this time we were at the Bone's residence (for the sake of everyone Jack writing) and now we are in Mandeville having our first Saturday with Fran doing the wash. We were on our own for the first time to drive into town.. The Shafermeyer's went to Kingston this morning to look for a new apartment to move to. We ventured into Mandeville for lunch at (you guessed it) KFC. I wanted a knife to cut my chicken so when I went to the counter to ask for it the customer service rep said "wait a minute". Then she returned and handed me a Crocodile Dundee "Now thats a knife" knife. It was one from the kitchen and not a little plastic one like in the states. We then picked up some business cards for Bro. Tomlin. Sister Shafermeyer has been schooling him in setting up and running a business (She was the Mayor of North Salt Lake before coming out in March). Last Thursday was her 4th session and we taught it together. He will get his very first business cards tomorrow at church. Then at 4 pm we met the Shafermeyers in May Pen and went to Brother Weir's home to help him with the PEF computer generated reports. On the way home we stopped and picked up som Jerk Pork and brought home. It was very good but a bid dry as sometimes it is cooked for a long time before someone purchased it. I will get it again and am anxious to try the Jerk Chicken. Since we are having chickent tomorrow for Mother's day and I had KFC for lunch I am delaying the chicken experience. Got my first REAL chuck hole today. You have to continually dodge them but one snuck up on me and boom....lucky I did not blow a tire. Received a call from Bro. Brown today and he is back from the DR (Dominican Republic) and wants us in his office in Kingston on Monday morning at 10 am. I am anxious to finally get to meet him and get our official assignment and get started. Cheers and happy Mothers day to all who read this.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Driving - I did it!
Yesterday we came home from Savannah La Mar and I drove half way home. For those of you who do not know they travel on the "other side of the road" from us. Driving is interesting. There are not many road signs or street signs in the towns. Driving is a free for all. Everyone is extremely courteous and moves over making room when you try to pass and are heading head on for them. It is interesting and I did very well all the way home then when I left the highway and turned on to our short road to the house I went in the right hand lane and was heading straight head on for a car that stopped and Elder Shafermeyer said go left...go left so I actually did avert a disaster and hopefully that will be the last time.....who knows..
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
CES (S&I) and PEF training week
After a wondeful weekend at home we returned to the MTC on Sunday evening hoping to meet up with Elder Oldroyd who is leaving on Monday. We did not have a chance to bid farewell on Friday and were glad to have found him at the Fireside and had a short visit after with all the Tahatian Elders. Then on Monday morning we met with Elder/Sis Boren along with additional CES trainers from Salt Lake.
Wait!! Jack didn't begin to describe the reaction of the Tahatian elders when they saw me standing outside the chapel after the fireside on Sunday evening. One of them just yelled out Fran! We were soooo happy to have connected. They have invited us to their four day homecoming party. That's not a four day party but a party after they have been home four days.
CES training on MTW was absolutely over the top. Learned more about how to study the scriptures than in all the rest of my life's instruction combined. PEF training at church headquarters on TH & F was great the first hour then it got technical and I nearly lost my testimony.
Wonderful weekend at home. Mollie, Tony, and AJ were there. I attended Cassidy's school play twice, second time with the Bones and Angie and Molly. Tearful goodbys on Sunday and then a loooooooooong
day of travel on Monday. Arose at two AM and went back to bed in Kingston at a bit after midnight.
Tuesday our wonderful neighbors (I"ll explain later) the Schaefermeyers, picked us up at the Hilton and took us to the mission office. We met office personel, went to lunch with the office couple, the Chesmans, the Bradleys, who are leaving June l, the Schaef"s and two elders who were in town for zone conference. Afterward we got our GPS programmed, did some other errands and went to Jamaican Costco. Then home to Mandeville.
This is a bit of a back up. The Schaefs are living in a three bedroom, two bath apartment in Mandeville and had reserved the apt. next to them for us, but leaving the option to find something else open. On the way home Elder S. dropped a bomb. In talking with E. Coleman everyone is in agreement that the Schaefs really should be in Kingston so they are going to go there and we will take their apt. We are staying with them because the other unit was not ready for us - which means that we actually are at home - unless , of course, we also get transferred. Our immediate boss is in the Dominican Republic until next Monday so we really don't have a clue yet as to our function in this part of the vineyard. We can't wait to get going. We love you all and will try not to be so wordy going forward.
Wait!! Jack didn't begin to describe the reaction of the Tahatian elders when they saw me standing outside the chapel after the fireside on Sunday evening. One of them just yelled out Fran! We were soooo happy to have connected. They have invited us to their four day homecoming party. That's not a four day party but a party after they have been home four days.
CES training on MTW was absolutely over the top. Learned more about how to study the scriptures than in all the rest of my life's instruction combined. PEF training at church headquarters on TH & F was great the first hour then it got technical and I nearly lost my testimony.
Wonderful weekend at home. Mollie, Tony, and AJ were there. I attended Cassidy's school play twice, second time with the Bones and Angie and Molly. Tearful goodbys on Sunday and then a loooooooooong
day of travel on Monday. Arose at two AM and went back to bed in Kingston at a bit after midnight.
Tuesday our wonderful neighbors (I"ll explain later) the Schaefermeyers, picked us up at the Hilton and took us to the mission office. We met office personel, went to lunch with the office couple, the Chesmans, the Bradleys, who are leaving June l, the Schaef"s and two elders who were in town for zone conference. Afterward we got our GPS programmed, did some other errands and went to Jamaican Costco. Then home to Mandeville.
Starting at the left Sister Bradley, Sister Shaefermeyer, Fran, Jack, Sister Cheesman, Elder Cheesman, Elder Shaefermeyer, Elder Bradley - Pic on right at mission office: E/S Cheesman, center you know who, and E/S Shaefermeyer.
OK! Here's the real news. When the AP's picked us up at the airport almost their first words were " Pres. Graff has been given an honorable releaase and left on Saturday" Elder Coleman of the Area Presidency is here now and will preside over the mission until the new president comes. Everyone has been very positive and ready to move forward but it was a bit of a shock.
So today we drove over to Savannah-La-Mar to a zone conference with Elder and Sis Coleman , the AP's, and the Schaefs. Elder Coleman gave a short explanation and then gave us some wonderful instruction. Met all (I think) Elders and Sisters in the zone and then went to lunch at Burger King with Schaefs and another couple from Lucea and a couple of Sisters. It was raining bucketsful which was wonderful.. All of the Carribean is in drought mode.
This is a bit of a back up. The Schaefs are living in a three bedroom, two bath apartment in Mandeville and had reserved the apt. next to them for us, but leaving the option to find something else open. On the way home Elder S. dropped a bomb. In talking with E. Coleman everyone is in agreement that the Schaefs really should be in Kingston so they are going to go there and we will take their apt. We are staying with them because the other unit was not ready for us - which means that we actually are at home - unless , of course, we also get transferred. Our immediate boss is in the Dominican Republic until next Monday so we really don't have a clue yet as to our function in this part of the vineyard. We can't wait to get going. We love you all and will try not to be so wordy going forward.
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